Home Page, Media News and Links, News From the Farm, April 1, 2021
Per usual, Loma Vista Farms in Vallejo was full of animals, apple cider, train rides and puppet shows on Saturday. However, when Loma Vista Farms Events Chair Jennifer Shinar was asked
what her favorite part about the farm’s annual Harvest Festival was, she didn’t hesitate.
“Oh, the kids. No doubt. Seeing their faces light up when they see everything here,” Shinar said. “That’s what keeps me coming back year after year. I especially like seeing them with the old-school cider house. I love watching the kids crank it up and then crush it and then taste it. We do it every year and I love watching the kids’ reaction to it.”
The event also featured wool spinning, plenty of pumpkins and a bean bag toss. The wool from the spinning comes from the sheep and the alpacas at the farm.
“It really gives the kids an opportunity to see what everything comes from,” Shinar said. “It’s not just the grocery store.”
“What I like is that you see families spending time together,” Executive Board member John Muras said. “And we make things low cost. It’s nice to come to events like this and not spend thousands of dollars. There are fun games for everyone to enjoy.”
Shinar said that the yearly event takes about two months of planning, but this year’s event was a little easier, with 55 volunteers featuring Cal Maritime cadets, Vallejo High School students and even a couple from Texas.
“It’s really hectic in the morning setting everything up, but the volunteers help so much,” Shinar said. “There is no way this can happen without them.”
Kirsten Caesar was at the event with her kids, Rory (5) and Kaylee (10 months), as well as Kristi Clover. Rory said his favorite part of the day was “the robots, petting the bunnies and the train rides.”
“Oh my God, he loves trains, so we knew we had to come here when we found out about this,” Kirsten said. “When we were on the train his eyes were all wide.”
Nadia Caludatos was at the event with her young son.
“A friend of mine told me about this and we knew we had to come,” Caludatos said. “We had been to the farm before but not for this event. We had come to spring events and summer events but nothing for the fall. He really loves pumpkins so this was very nice.”
The event helps raise funds to help the site’s infrastructure. Next week the site will begin construction on a new lower pasture fence, scheduled to be completed in about two weeks.
Saturday, however, was all about families and children.
“This is a generational thing as well,” Muras said. “Someone came here and said they used to come here 20 years ago, but this time they brought their own kids. Twenty years had gone by, but she still knew a lot of the names of the animals.”
“I grew up in Vallejo, so I used to come here as a kid,” Shinar said. “Seeing everything go down today really brings everything full circle.”
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The above article was in the Times~Herald, Sunday, April 24, 2022.
It was written by Thomas Gage, .
The photos were by Chris Riley~Times~Herald.
LOMA VISTA FARMS OPENS UP TO KIDS AND FAMILIES
https://enewspaper.timesheraldonline.com/?publink=23db4c833_134842c
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Article from the Times~Herald
Friday, July 16, 2021
Red Hats avoid red hot temps, stay cool at farm
Postponed trip ‘worth it’ to see the animals
Photos by Chris Riley TIMES~HERALD
All the animals at Loma Vista Farm were seeing red Thursday. Well except for Keebler and Oreo the cows. Bovines have exceptional panoramic vision, sure, but they don’t see red.
No matter. Seemed like the cows, sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, bunnies and horses at the north Vallejo sanctuary welcomed the ladies from the Red Hat Society during an early afternoon critter campus excursion.
Seven women from the Napa chapter of the Red Hats were led around grounds by ‘Farmer’ Rita LeRoy, Loma Vista’s historian and familiar face to humans and animals. Grown-up groups only reserve a tour a few times a year, LeRoy said, tickled by the attentive red-and-purple clad ladies.
“They are doing a real good job,” LeRoy said 15 minutes into the tour. “They’re staying together and (smile) they’re not causing any trouble. They’re on their best behavior and they’re really good listeners. They asked really good questions.”
The chapter’s “queen,” Joyce Wilson, said the Red Hats planned a visit to Loma Vista Farm because “it looked interesting and we’re always looking for some place new and interesting.”
Though it was the group’s first-time visit, barn animals are hardly new to the 83-yar old Cordelia resident.
“I was brought up on a ranch in Sonoma County,” said Wilson. “Lots of horses and cows.”
The tour was delayed a few minutes because of street construction as Wilson planted herself on the corner directing her colleagues. No big deal.
“We’re prepared for just about anything,” Wilson said, smiling, “and when you get to my age, there are a lot of detours.”
Well worth it, said Red Hatter Jackie Soria of Napa, with her 11-year-old grandson, Tristan, joining the fun.
“This is beautiful,” Soria said of the farm. “I’m really amazed how much the community put in to make it so nice with the sidewalks and fences. I’ve been to zoos that haven’t had as nice of materials.”
A Red Hatter for nine years, Soria said it’s all for the friendships “and being able to go out and do different things that I wouldn’t do by myself.”
A six-year Red Hatter, Veronica Hale of Fairfield, said it’s all about “just hanging out with like-minded people. We like to go and have drinks and lunch and with this group – I belong to two groups – they have one luncheon and one activity and this is our activity.”
It was a welcomed relief strolling the five-acre farm in 65-degree weather Thursday afternoon after the Red Hats postponed the original June 17 date that would have had them dragging in 106 degrees.
Red Hatter Jackie Soria of Napa said she was “disappointed” with the postponement, “but I was worried it would be too hot.”
“What a difference a month makes,” said LeRoy, minutes before taking the seven “Red Hatters” on a tour.
Besides a relief for the older-than-50 Red Hat ladies, it’s “absolutely more comfortable for the animals” than the recent heat wave, LeRoy said. “They’re loving it; frisky and happy. With the cool air and wind, the horses don’t have flies bothering them. All the animals are really comfortable and not seeking shade and trying to wait it out. They’re just enjoying life.”
The Red Hat Society (RHS) is an international social organization that was founded in 1998 in the United States and has more than 40,000 chapters worldwide. Originally intended for women age 50 and beyond, the RHS is open to females of all ages.
All members 50 years and older wear red hats and purple clothing to meetings and events that they attend together. Women younger than 50 are encouraged to join as well, but they typically wear pink hats and lavender clothing.
Sporting the color coordinated hats and clothes, it’s hardly a secret organization.
“Everyone knows who we are,” Wilson said.
Contact reporter Richard Freedman at 707-553-6820
Photos by Chris Riley-TIMES~HERALD
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“Many Grateful for Loma Vista Return” by Richard Freedman
707-553-6820
from the Times-Herald, Sunday, June 13, 2021
“Loma Vista Farm, as it turns out, is more than an animal sanctuary. It’ also a human sanctuary.”
“The 5-acre home to horses, cows, pigs, chickens, sheep, alpacas, goats and bunnies in north Vallejo re-opened this past Thursday, roughly 16 months after the pandemic shut out inquisitive kids and nostalgic grown-ups.”
“Nobody is happier than “Farmer” Rita LeRoy, the farm’s fixture since she was a wide-eyed college student in 1990 and who has become as recognizable at Loma Vista as the Pope is at the Vatican.”
“Perhaps fitting, since several visitors Friday afternoon believe the school district-owned farm has ties to the heavens.”
“” These are all God’s creatures,” said Kim Curtola, grandma to farm first-timers Mason, 5, and Milo, 3.”
“It’s about the kids learning to respect and appreciate the animals and yes, “a little nostalgia,” Curtola said.”
“”I used to come and bring their dad when he was little,” she said, grateful “that there are still good people who want good things for Vallejo and people who care about the animals. And if you care about the animals, you’re good people. I do wish more people would come out and help and donate. It’s a beautiful place for children.””
“”If kids are raised with animals, “they respect animals,” Curtola said. “And this is a good place for them to start. Kids need to learn to be kind to nature, be kind to plants, be kind to animals.””
“No disagreement from Ashley Magee, bringing her kids ages 3 and 4 to the farm for the first time while recalling “at least 10 times” she visited the farm while an Elsa Widenmann Elementary School student.”
“”I’ve been here a lot,” Magee said. “I love the animals. I just love it here. Now I’m bringing my kids…and two nephews.””
“Magee said the farm “is safe, kid-friendly, and fun for the kids who love animals. I know my kids do.””
“Magee’s mother, Octavia, Phea, tagged along Friday and was equally effusive.”
“”It’s beautiful, ” Phea said, surveying the sanctuary. “It means something pertaining to the Lord. It means life to me. It does. I’m glad it’s here. It’s something positive, something good for the children.””
“During the pandemic, it was only the animals, LeRoy, and the farm caretaker who lives on the property.”
“”It was very lonely. It felt like the farm was a ghost town,” LeRoy said. “It felt very said.””
“The animals knew something was askew, LeRoy believes.”
“”There was a lot less involvement with people and getting petted and interaction,” she said. “I think they really missed the people.””
“LeRoy said she had a bit extra gallop in her own step heading to work when it opened at 10 a.m. Thursday.”
“”It was so nice to see families in here with children and walking around enjoying the beautiful plants and adorable animals,” LeRoy said. “It was wonderful. Everyone was really happy to be back.””
“Despite the shutdown, improvements were made on the farm that’s recovered from the tragic killing of three alpacas and injuring of several sheep and goats in a 2019 dog attack.”
“”That was very traumatic. We’re glad that’s in the rear view mirror,” LeRoy said.”
“Happily, “there’s a lot of amazing improvements that have happened on the farm during the shutdown,” she said.
“Wheelchair accessible sidewalks, a retaining wall in the goat yard, several new fences, spruced up picnic tables, and a sheep and alpaca barn that’s a few days from completion.”
“Also new: An access gate to cross Ranier Avenue to get a hands-on visit with the horses, sheep and alpacas during their usual mid-day exercise break.”
“”A really wonderful improvement,” LeRoy said. “There’s a lot of future improvements so it’s just going to get better and better.””
“Word is apparently out. The three consecutive weeks of the farm’s July summer program are already sold out.”
“And undoubtedly, LeRoy will be there. Every day, she said, “I look forward to being with the animals and the children and to know that I have the opportunity to make the animals happy and healthy and keep the gardens going.””
“Though living seven minutes from the farm, LeRoy pondered which animal she would -if forced to-live a week with.”
“”I would stay with the pigs or alpacas,” she said. “They have a nice, soft bed with lots of straws and they don’t poop in their bed.””
“Loma Vista is at 150 Ranier Ave., Vallejo, and is open free to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The facility is closed holidays. For more, call (707) 556-8765 or visit lomavistafarm.org.
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The below article was written by:
Richard Freedman
December 22, 2020
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The article was written in the Times-Herald on Sunday October 20, 2019 by John Glidden @glid24 on Twitter.
The photographs were taken by CHRIS RILEY – TIMES-HERALD
Three-year-old Elise couldn’t decide on just one Halloween costume Saturday.
So she dressed as a spider and as Harry Potter while attending her first harvest festival at Loma Vista Farm with her mom Laura Gallimeyer.
“She’s having a good time so far,” Gallimeyer said with a smile while little Elise waited patiently as she got her face painted by a farm volunteer. Not surprisingly, Elise decided on the Spider Man face paint.
An endless stream of kids ran about the farm, pulling the hands of parents and grandparents, as they tried to see every attraction. Besides the various farm animals, families were able to buy a pumpkin or two, explore a small corn maze, and learn about the venerable farm, among others.
CHRIS RILEY-TIMES-HERALD
There is something for everyone,” said longtime farm volunteer Arlene Hoffmann. “We even have a train now-so you can’t beat that.”
A train ride around the neighborhood was on of the most popular items at the annual event. Hoffman said local businessman Buck Kamphausen bought the train from the American Legion and refurbished it before Saturday’s festival. “It has new wheels, rims, refurbished inside-what a great thing to do,” Hoffman added.
Dozens of families waited to take a ride in the train around a few neighborhoods in North Vallejo, click and water damage restoration service near me. Hoffmann said the train was expected to bring in an extra few hundred dollars for the festival-which serves as one of the farm’s largest fundraiser of the year.
Vallejoan Daniel Stevens showed up to the festival with his 5-year-old son, Oliver. Little Oliver decided to get his face painted as a vampire.
The duo had to take a picture and Oliver got to practice his growling face.
“I grew up in town so I like bringing him to the farm,” Stevens said. “The farm provides such a service to the community so I’m glad it’s still here.” Contact reporterJohn Glidden at 707-553-6832
CHRIS RILEY – TIME-HERALD
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This article was in the Community section of the Times-Herald on Sunday, October 13, 2019. The story and photos are by Richard Freedman @richfreedmanvth on Twitter
Girl earns right to name Loma Vista baby goats
Lea Sorrentino didn’t have to consult a “Baby Names” book or ask friends or family members.
The Benicia 8-year-old said “Mabel” and “Ginger” simply “came to my head” and there you have it. And with the two female baby goats at Loma Vista Farm in Vallejo named, the two male goats aren’t far off from being called something other than “hey, goats” with a contest Oct. 19 at the animal sanctuary’s Harvest Festival.
The young student earned the right to name the two goats by raising $600 in donations earlier this year as the farm added new fencing with other security measures pending.
“I’m very proud of her,” said Tara Sorrentino, Lea’s mom, joining her daughter, Loma Vista Farm’s executive director Julia Allen and “Farmer” Rita LeRoy in an informal “naming-of-the-goats” Thursday afternoon.
Mom Sorrentino added that she’s “really proud” of her daughter raising the cash for the beloved farm, a popular attraction for students in Solano and surrounding counties. And”she did it in a week-and-a-half,” mom noted.
Not that it was surprising, since Lea’s been attracted to animals “since she could walk. She wants to be a vet when she’s older. She loves every animal she comes across,” mom Sorrentino said.
Uh, even a snake?
“Sure, if they don’t hurt me,” said Lea.
It’s not as if the Sorrento family needs to visit Loma Vista to connect with animals. The family has its own petting farm at home: two guinea pigs, a hamster, two dogs, and a fish.
Lea, however, isn’t done. She wants a horse.
“I could ride a horse to school since we’re not allowed to walk,” Lea said.
Uh, where in the world would a kid park a horse?
“In the parking lot,” Lea reasoned.
The student and the newly-named goats were introduced with Lea provided a pale of food by LeRoy and became instant friends with the kids. The two much smaller boy goats frolicked in the pen close by.
As far as LeRoy knows, it’s the first time goats were named by a child and the pillar of the farm is grateful it was Lea “because she’ kind and thoughtful.”
LeRoy puts little plaques up for all the farm animals that includes the animals’ name, birth date and breed and for Mabel and Ginger, it’ll say “named by Lea.”
“It’s like having an extended family,” Tara Sorrentino said smiling.
Loram Vista Farm’s Harvest Festival is Sat. Oct. 19, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission is free with activity tickets 50 cents. Arts and crafts, games, train rides, plants and food for sale and a puppet show. Pumpkins will be on sale.
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The below article and photographs are from the Times-Herald, September 19, 2019. The article was written by Richard Freedman. The photographs are by Chris Riley.
September 19, 2019 from the Times-Herald
Vallejo
Loma Vista Farm’s new kids on the block
Post-attack donations fund goats, fence
By Richard Freedman
@richfreedmanvth on Twitter
Loma Vista Farm took another step toward recovering from a dog attack early this year, unveiling four baby goats and a new chain link perimeter fence around the cherished five-acre north Vallejo animal sanctuary.
“It’s so exciting. It’s a rejuvenation,” said “Farmer” Rita LeRoy. “It’s breathing new life into the farm. Children are super-excited about the baby goats. It’s a very, very exciting time.”
LeRoy, Loma Vista Farm’s board president Julia Allen and board members Janice Sullivan and Steve Pressley paid a visit to the latest additions Wednesday afternoon.
“They’re just adorable,” Sullivan said of the baby goats.
The goats-two Alpine pygmy goats and two Nigerian’ “just means more ‘traction’ for our patrons,” Allen said. “And these goats are young, so attendees get to see the goats go through their life cycle.”
“Kids love to see the younger animals, ” added Pressley. “They can relate to them. They get to see the animals grow up, much like when you plant a garden and get to harvest it later on.”
The four goats-two about 6 months old, two around 3 months old-arrive about five months after Loma Vista welcomed three young alpacas, replacing the three killed in February when two dogs got onto the property in the middle of the night and went on a rampage.
The two adult goats seriously injured in the attack-“Dee Dee” and “Rocky”-“are healed and doing well, ” LeRoy said.
With the alpacas well adjusted to their new surroundings-“Very peaceful, loving and trusting”-LeRoy said the farm is now “running with a full deck.”
And that “full deck” is more secure because of the seven-foot fence by Rancho Cordova-based Crusader Fence Co. that replaces a fence that’s believed to be original from the farm’s opening in 1974.
“We think it will help in security,” Allen said, adding that the farm will soon add a motion-detector lighting system for improved security.
Beyond security, the shiny fence adds “curb appeal,” believed Pressley.
“The original fence was old, it was dilapidated. Kids could get through, animals could get through,” Pressley said. “And with the new fence, it helps the image. It looks nice, It’s “Wow, there’s something in there we want to see.” Security is most important, but I think image is the best thing. When people pull up, it looks wonderful.”
“The fence makes the farm so secure and beautiful,” LeRoy said, smiling that “It’s like we moved into the 21st century. New fence, new goals. It’s all good.”
The alpacas, fence and baby goats were funded by contributions from the community via $20,000 from a GoFundMe campaign, a fundraiser at the Empress Theater, and individual donations.
“The community owns this place, really,” LeRoy said. “It’s because of the generous donations from the community and their commitment and passion to keep this beautiful little place going for children to learn. It’s truly a beautiful thing. We’re grateful.”
Vallejo’s Rodriguez family-papa Jack, 8-year-old Gia and Rocko, 6-are thrilled. The three visit the farm at least two Wednesdays a month, Jack said.
“I love it. It teaches them a bit of compassion,” he said. Gia couldn’t get enough of the new goats.
“They’re cute,” she said.
Soon, the four goats should have names. Two will be named by a Benicia girl who made a significant contribution to the fundraising campaign. And two goats are expected to be named via suggestions at the Oct. 19 Harvest Festival.
Loma Vista Farm is at 150 Rainier Ave., Vallejo. For more information, visit lomavistafarm.org. Contact reporter Richard Freedman at 707-553-6820
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April 25, 2019
Below is an article by Richard Freedman @richfreedmanvth on Twitter from the Times-Herald. Photographs are by CHRIS RILEY- TIMES-HERALD.
Loma Vista Farm in Vallejo welcomes new alpacas
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April 1st, 2019
A picture below, of the Marquee at the Empress Theater for the “Mirth and Music” Fundraiser sponsored by Richard Freedman on April 1st.
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KGO Radio March 24
Below is a link aired Sunday evening on KGO Radio. Johnny Steele is promoting the April 1st event, Mirth and Music at the Empress Theatre
http://www.kgoradio.com/2019/03/25/the-maureen-langan-show-march-24-2019/
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Times-Herald Article 3/21
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Read the article by Richard Freedman, “Comics, musicians band together for Loma Vista Farm”.
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Times-Herald 3/20
Enclosed is the March 20 article, “Dogs in farm attack presumed euthanized”, by Rich Freedman
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February 9, 2019
We are so saddened by the loss of animals at the Farm Friday night due to entry by vicious dogs. We, the Board, and the VCUSD are committed to ensuring our animals are safe. We will also attempt to hold those responsible accountable. Thank you again for your support.
Included are the media links to the event.
Warning: Some of the images in the links are disturbing.
https://abc7news.com/pets-animals/three-alpacas-brutally-killed-by-dogs-at-vallejo-farm/5133234/
